Chemical formula: Hâ‚‚MgOâ‚‚ Molecular mass: 58.32 g/mol PubChem compound: 73981
Magnesium hydroxide is practically insoluble in water and solution is not effected until the hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form magnesium chloride. Its neutralising action is almost equal to that of sodium bicarbonate. When the dose is in excess of that required to neutralise the acid the intragastric pH may reach pH 8 or 9. Acid rebound following magnesium hydroxide is clinically insignificant.
Magnesium hydroxide has an indirect cathartic effect resulting from water retention in the intestinal lumen.
Magnesium hydroxide exerts its antacid therapeutic effect rapidly within the gastro-intestinal tract following oral administration and this action is therefore independent of pharmacokinetic properties. Following oral administration, about one third to half the magnesium is absorbed very slowly from the small intestine. Magnesium salts are excreted mainly in the urine with small amounts in the faeces and saliva.
Magnesium hydroxide has been used for many years and no further data are presented in this section.
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